Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but quick. This skillet delivers tender potatoes, melty cheese, and savory meat all in one pan for simple clean-up. The crispy edges and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and uses pantry staples. For more comforting skillet ideas, try my Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet – Best Steak Recipe for a delicious pairing.
Why You'll Love Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner
Try this Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a quick, cheesy, and comforting weeknight meal that’s family-friendly and budget-friendly.
- One-pan meal for simple prep and easy cleanup
- Comforting combination of cheesy, crispy potatoes and savory meat
- Quick to make – ready in under 40 minutes
- Budget-friendly ingredients and family-friendly flavors
Ingredients for Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner
Ground meat: Best choice is ground beef for richer flavor; ground turkey or chicken works for a lighter version.Potatoes: Yukon Gold provides creaminess and holds shape well; Russet potatoes result in a crispier texture but cook faster.
- Ground meat: Best choice is ground beef for richer flavor; ground turkey or chicken works for a lighter version.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold provides creaminess and holds shape well; Russet potatoes result in a crispier texture but cook faster.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the meat: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove meat and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté veggies & potatoes: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add diced potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt. Stir to coat.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Simmer potatoes: Pour in beef broth, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
Expert Tips for Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner
- Dice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use a lid while cooking potatoes to speed up tenderness.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner
Try this Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a quick, cheesy, and comforting weeknight meal that’s family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce or your favorite condiment
Instructions
How to Make Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Cook the meat: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove meat and set aside.
- Sauté veggies & potatoes: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add diced potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt. Stir to coat.
- Simmer potatoes: Pour in beef broth, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Combine & melt cheese: Return cooked meat to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover and cook another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and edges start to crisp.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the skillet a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add cheese when reheating to keep it melty and fresh.
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner substitutes that work well in this recipe.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze without cheese for up to 2 months.
Potatoes can get soggy if overcooked or if the skillet is covered too tightly for too long. Try uncovering in the last few minutes for crispier edges.
You Might Also Like
- Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet – Best Steak Recipe
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Before You Go
If you try this Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe for a Quick Comfort Dinner, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.